We the people dare to create a more perfect union.

In the fall of 2025, four South Carolina lawmakers threatened to block state funds to the private Presbyterian College in Clinton, S.C., unless the college fired an English professor for her writing. The professor, Dr. Emily Taylor, had published an essay titled “Dying to Be Men: American Masculinity as Death Cult” that was critical of the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The essay concluded: “I’m sorry for Charlie Kirk and all the other men like him that have been raised in this America and with these ideals of masculinity. I’m sorry that he decided to adopt this hateful ideology and to profit from it. And as the mother to a boy and a girl, my heart breaks for the America these children are growing up in. Here’s hoping we can save ourselves.” In response, State House Representative Luke S. Rankin* called for Dr. Taylor’s firing. He followed up that threat with a letter, co-signed by fellow State House Representatives Mark Willis, John McCravy, and Craig Gagnon, that threatened to block funds via the Higher Education Tuition Grants Commission unless the college fired her for her speech. On December 18, 2025, Dr. Taylor resigned because of the threats. On March 11, 2026, Dr. Taylor sued the four state lawmakers in U.S. District Court for what the lawsuit describes as “textbook, unconstitutional jawboning.” She is asking the court to declare the state lawmakers’ actions unconstitutional and order them to rescind their letter and threats. She also seeks compensation for back pay, lost benefits, and compensatory and punitive damages. She is represented in the case by the American Civil Liberties Union of South Carolina and by attorney Joshua Snow Kendrick of Kendrick & Leonard, P.C.

Helping pregnant women in prisons, safe spaces for cops, and some budget antics

Matthew Ariwoola came to South Carolina to do life-saving chemistry research. He isn’t letting the Trump administration stop him.

A forced ICE collaboration bill advances in the Statehouse. Public discontent grows against the mass deportation regime’s secretive moves in Columbia. And we launch a statewide campaign with faith leaders proclaiming a simple message: Immigrants are welcome here. Joining us on today’s episode is Dulce J. López, Immigrant Rights Advocacy Strategist at the ACLU of South Carolina. Tell your state lawmakers to vote No on the forced ICE collaboration bill, H. 4764: https://aclusc.org/iceout Read the findings of the ACLU report "Deputized for Disaster" here: https://www.aclusc.org/news/5-ugly-facts-about-ice-collaboration-in-south-carolina/ Want to find more ways to advocate for immigrants’ rights? Fill out our Volunteer Interest Form and we’ll put you to work: https://aclusc.org/volunteer